Our first look at some big changes
When Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was delayed, it was purportedly to go back and tweak physics and polish up the level design. Since that delay, Sega has shown the game multiple times at trade shows with little-to-no improvements or changes evident. The Japanese website for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 seeks to change that, today, with our first official look at Lost Labyrinth Zone. If you kept up with the leaked Sonic 4 material back around March of this year, you may remember Lost Labyrinth as being the level that featured a certain motion-controlled Mine Cart in Act 2, among other mechanics like rolling stone balls and underwater segments set deep within the heart of an ancient temple.
“Sonic chases Dr. Eggman in to the ruins of a labyrinth. An endless waterway is carved in to relief in solid rock. Many deadly traps and mysterious puzzles await any intruders.”
(Rough translation)
Comparing the leaked media from the beta version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4 to what’s shown in these screenshots reveals a multitude of changes; a torch object now exists for Sonic to hold, lighting up dark areas of the level. One image of Sonic carrying the torch also features a lit stick of dynamite, suggesting Sonic can use the explosives for some special purpose (destroying walls, perhaps). The infamous minecart makes an appearance, though whether its mechanics have been changed for the better remains to be seen. The most interesting image, I think, is pic02_05 – the tilted perspective suggests that the level rotation mechanics are still in play, but instead of controlling the Minecart, they may instead be used in conjunction with puzzles involving pouring water.
Given Aaron Webber’s comments about an impending update to the North American Sonic 4 website, we should probably expect a similar reveal to go live there sometime later this week – possibly even later today.
Update: Glem3 in the comments below this article has informed me that with the way the camera is positioned in the Minecart screenshot in combination with the sparks coming from the wheels does indeed confirm that the “tilt to use minecart” stuff is most likely gone for good, and that the tilt-controlled water puzzles were, in fact, part of the leaked videos. My mistake! He also seems to think that the presence of Sonic in the minecart with the torch suggests that Sonic can get in to and out of the minecart.
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It’s okay to say you actually were up just like I am right now to see the thread pop up instead of “herpderp anonymous tip”.
I didn’t say anything about an anonymous tip…?
@Haru I actually sent in the tip, Haru you asshole.
Unless you posted this before getting that.
And we know about changed minecart mechanics:
Sparks are coming out the back without the screen being tilted, and the minecart is to the right, meaning the mincart now moves without the screen being tilted. It also has the torch, which is the new gimmick of act 2. Since we see sonic outside the minecart with the torch, that means the minecart only takes up part of the level now.
Tilting is involved with the water part though, just not the minecart. We knew about the tilting for the water part though, that was in the leaked videos.
@glem3: Aha. Admittedly, I did not watch some of the leaked videos, because I didn’t want to spoil the whole thing.
Oh… uh, well could you mention the things I said in the article? So I don’t have to say them again?
As in, the torch and dynamite being new, and the minecart no longer tilting the screen and being in a stage with running.
I didn’t watch the leaked videos at all but this looks good.
And yes, I did start writing this before being aware of any tips we received.
Well, I didn’t necessarily mean sonic can get in and out at will XP
What I meant is in Act 1 and Act 3 Sonic isn’t holding the torch, (Act 1 is the second screen and Act 3 is the fifth screen), so that means he must be holding it in act two.
There’s a screenshot of him with the torch but not in the minecart, and one of him in the minecart with the torch. This means the minecart must just be PART of the level and not all of it, while some of it is just sonic running like normal.
Thanks for making that note, Ryan!
More mid 90′s platformer filler to replace mid 90′s platformer filler. God forbid they design levels that actually resemble anything from the games that this claims to be the sequel to,
They kept that frustrating camera tilting mechanic *facepalm* I have zero hope now in whatever they changes they made since they think this “wonderful” idea was worth keeping.
“They kept that frustrating camera tilting mechanic *facepalm* I have zero hope now in whatever they changes they made since they think this “wonderful” idea was worth keeping.”
They didn’t keep it. All it is, is sonic will enter a big thing of water with a cork on the side. You twist it so he bursts out. It takes 3 seconds, and this is the only place in the game where this happens.
US website has been updated!
http://www.sonicthehedgehog4.com/us/
@glem3
So there is even less of a reason for that cart to even be in the game? It Oh how I hope for there to be a book on Dimp’s design process.
@eggfag: You can *facepalm* all you like because thats your lost. Hey, while you are at it do it a few more times because its really amusing. Since when did people like you ever have hope?
@glem3: There is no point in agruing with a person like that. People like him never have anything positive to say. He is what you would call a ‘broken record’.
I mean “More mid 90′s platformer filler to replace mid 90′s platformer filler”. How does that make any sense because I don’t even remotely understand how that is a justifiable criticism.
“So there is even less of a reason for that cart to even be in the game? It Oh how I hope for there to be a book on Dimp’s design process.”
I hope you’re not negative like this in daily life.
I can see you’re just hating for the sake of hating. Oh well, we’ll continue appreciating Sega’s ability to listen to our complaints and fix the issues we had with lost labyrinth zone act 2. Thanks for listening, Sega.
The minecart looks fun now, just a little mini-gimmick like in Sonic 2 GG.
@eggfag
It Oh how I hope for there to be a book on Dimp’s design process.” So why did you put a “it” at the beginning because it is unnecessary to have it in the sentence. Do you ever bother to spell-check your sentences? Then there is “I hope for there to be a book on Dimp’s design process”. Seriously, grow a pair and start making some sense.
@glem3
I hope you’re not negative like this in daily life. With the way he carrys on, I have no doubt that he is.
‘We’ll continue appreciating Sega’s ability to listen to our complaints and fix the issues we had with lost labyrinth zone act 2. Thanks for listening, Sega.’ Truer words were never spoken. Ahem.
Man, so friggin AWSOME, everything is perfect!!!
OMG,No words
This is perfect D:
Torch, dynamite, no speed bosters. For the first time, I see some good changes!!!
Just so everyone knows, for the moment only I get the news tips.
-T
What the hell? Sonic has.. black eyes?
http://www.tssznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/33.jpg
rofl, one typo, I could imagine that he is really sorry about that, oh, you perfect english speaking Silverwind.
“What the hell? Sonic has.. black eyes?
No.
@Eggfang
Please, if they did that you would call it a rehash, here we see something completely original and your still moaning. Give up
@sonikdude
No there is green
@Crysore
Oh, now i see it. barely, but I see it.
Rolling Ball? Sonic 1 Beta?
By the way, I like the idea with the torch and the dynamite, hey guys, I said something nice, but before somone is disappointed in me, not enough to blew 15 bucks.
Damn son, that’s quite an upgrade. I am impressed.
CONFIDENCE RESTORED (partially)
Cool! A New tourch level?? ^_^ awesome!!! Cmon November!! Cmon Price tag (cost of game lol)